On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Thirty-Three

At Shaeula’s howl of rage, Duke Vulpatrius curled his lips into a sly, affronted smile. “Is that any way to greet someone coming to your grand unveiling?” He turned to Prince Shaetanao, eyes glittering with barely concealed malice. “It seems you do not know how to discipline your unruly half-breed of a child. I had hoped the talk of her maturing thanks to my efforts were true, but it seems that as always, rumour is simply that.”

“Duke…” the colossal giant Duke Formor rumbled disapprovingly, while I grabbed hold of Shaeula’s arm tightly. She turned, seeming to come to her senses a little, flashing me a grateful smile, before she glanced back and unleashed her fury once more.

“Thanks to your-your efforts? I hardly think attempting to have me murdered after engineering my fall and exile is aid, you wretched fox scum!” Her words came out laced with venom. “Where is Risha? That-that traitor who corrupted my maids and betrayed poor-poor Klena! I want her returned, now!”

Yeah, this is not good, the dignitaries of the Court are watching, and Shaeula’s losing respect moment to moment. Squeezing her wrist reassuringly, I decided to step in. Before I could though, the fox got in another provocation.

“Who? I am quite sure I do not know who you mean, little girl.” He sniffed, before turning his attention to Anna, who was glowering at him murderously. “Risha? Risha. No, the name does not spark any recollections within me. Who does… Shaeranna, you are looking rather lovely as ever. For a weaselkin you are a fine warrior. Such a shame that your fool of a father put a stop to our union. Breaking an Oath, how base, how… beneath a Prince. It is hardly too late though, simply say the word and I shall be more than happy to show you my love. I do adore a warrior!”

What a jackass. I see what Anna means now, it’s hard to believe a level-headed and polite fox like Talaisha is descended from such a bastard. “I think that’s quite enough.” I declared. “You obviously enjoy riling Shaeula and her family, but it reflects poorly on you as well. As for Risha, we’ll set that aside. For now.” I turned to the seething Shaeula. “Now isn’t the time for this. Besides, letting him spoil the moment of your triumph means he wins.” I whispered to her, my voice barely audible. “Why not crush him in another way, one he can’t refute?”

With an expression of pain on her face, she forced a nod. “Yes, later. As for my father’s broken Oaths… they were not-not broken, merely superseded.” She said, every word a struggle to remain calm. Turning her attention to Duke Formor, she managed an approximation of a welcoming smile. “Duke Formor, I bid-bid you welcome. The forces you have sent to Grulgor for training have been most-most useful in keeping the peace. And as one-one of the staunchest members of the Aggressor faction, you should-should be here to see the declaration of our final victory over the Myconids, the Spring restored!” She then took a deep breath. “Duke Vulpatrius. Take-take a seat.” Her brevity and lack of warmth was an insult in itself, but one less overt.

“Yes, there is no time for the usual Beastkin infighting.” Primal Forest rumbled as the giant and foxkin ascended to the platform on the lake, the wooden pontoon swaying under the giant’s heavy tread. “At least not now. We have many guests…”

The foxkin Duke looked around curiously, though his expression twisted to an angry one when he saw Urakaze, whose amber and red eyes were eyeing him as though she wished she could dissect him. Duke Formor was searching for someone else, and when he couldn’t see him, he asked a question. “Where is Grulgor? I would have thought he would be here, since this was his triumph too?”

“Oh, yeah, it’s not a slight against him.” I promised. “It’s just that Grulgor is busy. His ability to merge with and manipulate stone, as well as water now… oh yes… even Grulgor is able to master new elements.” I boasted on his behalf. “He’s even more of a powerhouse now, and eager to smash some Unseelie, but timing is everything. For now he’s helping out with some crucial construction work.” Now that we can use Ling to bring people and spiritual beings in both directions, our plans have gained a boost. And with Grulgor assimilating into the dig site, our cavern and tunnel construction is going an order of magnitude better. He’s not cut out for labouring, but when we explained it was training to strengthen his elements as well, he was all for it…

“Grulgor did?” The smaller, well-spoken giant that was accompanying the Duke said, amused. “I had thought his brain was naught but solid stone, it seems I was mistaken. I owe him an apology.” He caught sight of Hyacinth, who was glowering at him, and nodded shamelessly. “I see you as well, dear gift. In fact, I think a huge amount of the credit for your victory should go to us.”

“How shameless.” Shaeula managed, having calmed down a little, my touch reassuring her. “But I am not-not one to lie. Unlike some.” She sneered at Duke Vulpatrius. “Yes, Grulgor and dear-dear Hyacinth were instrumental in the battle, and Hyacinth in the restoration afterwards. Though your intent was not-not to help but to harm, I have put aside my anger. This…” she took a deep breath as she met my eyes, before looking at her family, Asha and Hyacinth. “…is a celebration. The first-first of its kind.”

“I think that’s everyone, right?” I asked. Several other Dukes, Earls and other ranks of Seelie Nobility had arrived behind the two Dukes, waiting awkwardly, and after they were seated, it seemed that was the case. Looking out over the sea of Fae nobles, many different types represented, I wished that Hinata and the others could see this sight, but… It’s not like they aren’t having fun in their own way, which Shaeula probably wishes she was a part of. Hoping I wasn’t blushing, as my overlapping senses were presiding over a scene also entailing water, I shook my head. “In that case, welcome, honoured nobility of the Fae, and the esteemed Scotsman, who I’ve heard tell of a number of times.”

At that the burly redhead nodded. My gaze was drawn to the Lady of the Lake beside him, and though she was veiled like Tsukiko used to be, I could tell she was enchanting underneath. Eleanor was captivated too, meeting such a being from the myths of her homeland. “We also have guests from the mortal world, Princesses of great noble lines.” I introduced Eleanor and Yukiko-san. “As well as envoys from the Hyakki Yagyō, the famed Night Parade.”

“Charmed, I am sure.” The four-tails said languidly. “Both Urakaze and I are quite familiar with the Fae lands, as some of you are no doubt aware.” She blew some smoke from her pipe lazily. “Many of the Fae have traffic with us.”

“Yes.” Shaeula complained. “A certain fox did hire them to assassinate me, I have not-not forgotten.” She couldn’t resist one last jab at her hated enemy.

“Such slander. I hardly deny I have dealings with the Parade. But that is hardly a crime, or having such envoys here would make us all complicit.” Duke Vulpatrius smirked. “Besides, you yourself are a Yōkai now, are you not, little weasel, and your mother most certainly is.” He was enjoying her discomfort, and my opinion of him, already rock-bottom, was dropping further. “But dealings is all I have. I certainly never instigated such a cruel request. If I am guilty of anything, it is simply making closer ties, just as your father did. More successfully perhaps, but then, Shaetanao is hardly fit to rule.”

“You fucking shit-eating furbag…” Anna growled, only for Shaetanao to silence her with a glare from his menacing blue eyes.

“Shut-shut up. We will discuss politics later. First… daughter, son-in-law, do not let your annoyance at this pestilent thorn in my paw distract you. There is time-time for that later.”

“Son-in-law?” the Scotsman asked. “Is t’little one here eloping? Then this be a happier event than we expected, noble lady Nimuë, aye?”

“Yes, uh… well, we’ll talk about that later too.” I said, embarrassed by the attention. Though ever since I accepted Shaeula as well as Eri, I knew marriage was on the cards. She’s a princess, after all. We can hardly live in sin forever, as my mom would say. “After all, just like Oaths, happy events are better in threes.” I quipped, and some of the Fae did seem amused at that. “For now…” I turned to Shaeula, who puffed out her chest, looking around with pride.

“It is a great-great shame noble Queen Ariel and King Orion are not-not here to see this.” She began to speak, and I admired how far she had come, from the bratty tsundere weakling, to a powerful, confident and proud princess and Duchess. Though she still has a sharp temper, that hasn’t changed at all. “The Spring was taken from us so long-long ago. I am told it was very beautiful.”

“It was.” Primal Forest rumbled. “Many trees towered tall. Rhyming Trees, tended to by the daughters of Orion…” he nodded slowly at Asha, who was listening, the hint of tears in her yellow eyes. “…flowers, dancing with Sylphs, Pixies, Sprites and more, forming sweet glades. All gone, all reduced to rot and dirt. No, not all gone.” He amended, his words crawling. “One yet remains. A miracle.”

“Not a miracle.” Asha said, wiping at her eyes, looking at us fondly. “Destiny. I was saved by princess Shaeula, Akio and the others, and my Tree and another yet lives on. Healthier than ever. But I will never forget my fallen sisters, nor what I had to do to survive. I do not wish to dwell on tragedy though. For like new shoots breaking through the soil, sparking new life, a new beginning, we are here to celebrate.”

“The Spring too. This once-sacred site, waters as precious as even-even your lake, Lady Nimuë…” Shaeula pronounced, and the Lady nodded behind her veils, agreeing. “…befouled and choked with toxic-toxic fungus, the walls and menhirs above us crusted so thick they were black-black, the sacred moonlight and Spirit Water ruined, plundered by evil.” She looked up at the shining moonlight reflected from the crystalline walls, bathing us in a beautiful silver and purple glow. “But no-no more. We triumphed, and evil was vanquished. But-but…” she smiled, though it faltered a bit when she saw Duke Vulpatrius watching. “…defeating evil is sometimes just-just the easy part. Restoring, no… improving… what came before, what was-was lost, that takes more effort.” She gestured, and suddenly Tillyae started conducting, her musicians joining in, and the sounds of mortal music, uniquely Japanese, sounded throughout the hall. As that song played, the lanterns on the stalls were joined by a profusion of others, lit up like stars, and the staff Shaeula had recruited hurried to their positions. Great barrels of wine, whiskey and more, pallets of beer and cider, racks of bottles of sake and spirits, all were rolled to the edges.

“The tune’s a little off. Not that anyone would notice.” My sis remarked to Yukiko-san, who shrugged, her face red.

“This is embarrassing. I can’t help but feel this is a cultural and diplomatic exchange, and we’re playing anime songs as though it’s Mozart.”

“What-what comes before should never be forgotten.” Shaeula said, and Asha came forward, taking her hand, while I took her other. “Asha is the connection to the past. But-but simply recreating the past is a fool’s-fool’s endeavour. For those who lived and loved the past-past are lost, gone to their rests, under the moon.” Shaeula continued poetically. “Instead we embrace-embrace the future. But not-not because the old was wrong, or the new superior. No, we can not-not halt the tides. As children of the moon, we should-should know that.”

“It’s something we humans wrestle with as well.” I took over, looking at Yukiko-san and Eleanor, thinking they’d understand. “Every culture has things they’ve always done, always accepted. And losing those can hollow out what it means to be such a nation. But not all that makes up a culture is good, or can’t be changed. The trick is, taking the best of others while accepting and retaining the best of ourselves.” I turned my attention to the Fae I loved, Asha, Hyacinth and Shaeula, my expression warm. “It’s not been long since I first met the Fae, and while not everything has been good, I’ve welcomed, there’s so much I’d never change, not even if I was reborn a hundred times.” Shaeula and Hyacinth were blushing at that, while Asha looked on with a polite yet delighted smile. “But just because the Fae are magical, mysterious… that doesn’t mean that a bit of mortal ingenuity and progress won’t work wonders.”

“Yes. I had no-no wish for the Spring merely to be restored to former glories.” At Shaeula’s words, Primal Forest let out a slow, ponderous chuckle, remembering. “Asha here, she agreed with me.”

“Yes, I trust those who saved me. And they have not allowed my sisters nor the other fallen to be forgotten. I think they would be happy, seeing the Spring as it is now.”

“The Spring was lost-lost, and is now recovered.” The music behind us finished, and Tillyae and her players launched into a Fae song this time, the contrast well-timed. Shaeula continued her speech. “So just as the Fae have been worn down by loss-loss and war, I wished to renew the Spring, make it more-more than just a place of beauty. I wished it to be-be a place of use, as well. So now we have orchards, fields of crops, and hives that produce sweet-sweet honey. Those hives are not-not of the Fae, but of friendly Yōkai. For this Spring is not-not just for us, but for all who wish to see the new-new world together.” She gestured to all of the guests. “For where we have Fae, Yōkai and mortals, all-all together as one. We can no longer be isolated. Danger threatens us all-all, we must stand together or fail-fail apart. But it is not-not all doom and gloom. For we must also prosper together.”

Servants dressed in various mortal fashions as well as more traditional Fae clothing brought over the booze, and soon the dignitaries were presented with a dazzling array of drinks and delicacies. As they looked at them with some confusion, Shaeula clapped her hands, and the music stopped. “But do not-not simply take my word for it. This day, true Mortal Engineering comes to the Spring.”

A white screen was unfurled on one wall, and a projector was set up. Shaeula had told me this plan, and I was rather amazed by her cunning. Sourcing electricity was something I had considered difficult, but Ixitt’s batteries had easily been able to work, though there were a few accidents. Getting the voltage regulated led to a few bits of kit being burned out. It’s all good experimental data though…

“Behold, my daily life!” Shaeula said, and suddenly the Fae were gasping in shock, as moving images of the mortal world were displayed on the projector screen. Shaeula met my eyes, a grin on her face, and I rubbed her head gently, whispering in her ear. "That’s it. You’ve got them!"

********

“Har. Har. Har.” Primal Forest boomed, his massive branch-like arms hefting a half-empty barrel of brandy. I winced a bit at the cost of it, but it was all a loss-leader for diplomacy, and the price of what we could obtain from the Fae, be it allies, Etherites or other treasures, could hardly be measured in mere money. Besides, the factory plan is proceeding very rapidly now. Hopefully before the New Year we can have the first production lines rolling, and start taking in recycling for profit…

“This is mighty fine, the taste is strong yet not unrefined.” He continued, and I thought even the leaves and moss dotting his body seemed shinier.

“I like the sweet stuff…” Estalian flapped her wings happily, her face red. Around her, perched on the shoulder of Primal Forest, were dozens of small, winged Fae, all equally drunk as they gulped down sweet sake and sugary ciders from small thimbles. “Fae wine is often sweet, but…” she staggered and nearly fell, several other Sprites pulling her back. She peered at us, blinking her eyes. “So, I felt the resonance. Your Spirit Water is strong. Stronger than mine. Ugh…” she made a cute hiccup, flushing before covering her face. “My apologies. So… Spirit Water is a mysterious thing. I daresay you have simply scratched the surface…” she puffed out her small chest proudly, taking another long drink, her mouth smeared with alcohol. “…whereas I was one of the first to tame such Waters. I daresay I could teach you a lot.”

“I’d be honoured.” I said, holding in a grin at the antics of the very cute yet tiny Fae. “But there’s another who has it, a companion of ours, Daiyu. She also has some good insights. Perhaps you’d like to meet her?”

“Fine, fine.” She waved one hand, and seeing her thimble was empty, I filled it for her. “My thanks. It seems your chosen husband has good manners, Duchess.” She giggled drunkenly. “This music… it seems like it would put our musicians and singers to shame.”

We were playing music from a set of large speakers, also powered by Ixitt’s batteries, as well as images on the big screen. Shaeula offered a rebuttal though. “Hardly. There is much-much to be said for a live performance. Indeed, mortals are more-more rabid for their favourite performers. I too greatly enjoyed the performance of Red and White, Tamami was quite-quite enchanting. Again, we enhance, not-not replace.”

“It be quite a miracle.” The Scotsman said, joining in on our talk. “Why, there be naught like this, back in my day. If ye had told me t’bards and singers could be replaced by magic like this, I cannae say I’d have believed ye.”

“It’s not magic.” Eleanor said, frowning. “Simply science.” She addressed me then. She wasn’t drinking, opting to keep a clear head. “It’s certainly an impressive display. But what do you seek to achieve?”

“It is as we said.” Shaeula replied. “The union of Fae and mortal ideas. For we are not-not alone.” She looked at where Raidre was being cornered by Prince Morioth, before turning back to us with an amused snort. “Profit too, of course. For such mortal treats should not-not be taken for granted.”

“Speaking of…” I addressed the Scotsman.

“What can I be doing for ye, kinsman?” he asked, having decided that as I was half British, it counted. Though I’m fairly sure from when he was still in what is now Scotland, they hated what is now the English…

“Now might not be the best time, but… you’re close with the Queen, right?” I asked, noticing that Lady Nimuë was also listening, though she was looking at Eleanor searchingly.

“That be nay a gentlemanly thing tae ask, ye ken?” he chuckled. “But aye, I be the favoured courtier of t’Queen, noble Ariel, may the Gods quell her suffering.”

“I see. In that case… the King’s injury. I’ve heard it’s not improving much.”

“Aye, and what of it? T’Queen will see him back tae health in time.” The Scotsman answered.

“Yes, but… it so happens I’m quite a talented healer.” I said mildly, and Eleanor agreed.

“It’s true. He saved my brother who was gravely injured, and I have heard stories of his other exploits. The woman Shiro was apparently scarred and afflicted with an evil power which made healing it near impossible. It’s hard to believe now, considering how flawless she is…”

“There be nae way we can allow that.” He shook his head. “T’King has the finest healers already. Why, the stoatkin over there, Selensha…” he nodded at the white furred Fae who was accompanying Shaeula’s brothers, enjoying the images displayed on the big screen. “…she be one of them.”

“Yes, Selensha is very good.” I agreed. “But with Shaeula and me, as well as Bintara… she’s one of the Night Parade and a master healer… I’m certain we could make a difference.”

“You would allow outsiders to tend to our noble King?” A harsh voice set my teeth on edge, and I saw it was Duke Vulpatrius. He had been watching and listening to the show, a pensive expression on his face, but he had availed himself of the booze and food Shaeula had laid on, without caring that it made him look a hypocrite. Now he had wandered over, and his expression was mocking. “Such disrespect.”

“Outsiders?” Shaeula sneered. “Are you a blind-blind fool, fox? I have not-not met a fox yet who is not a troublemaker.”

“How rude.” The four-tailed fox sighed nearby after hearing it with her keen ears, swigging from a bottle of sake idly, but we ignored her.

“I’m not an outsider.” I insisted. “I’m going to be married to a Duchess of the Seelie Court.”

“What about this Bintara?” Duke Vulpatrius scoffed. “You would let her near the vulnerable King? Surely the risk cannot be countenanced.”

“Fine, it was just a suggestion, but if the King was to be healed…” I began, only for Lady Nimuë to cut us off.

“I fear that would be most unwise. Though I understand your consideration is genuine.” Her tone was melodic. “Dear Ariel…she waits and waits for the moon to rise again. But the time is not now.” She looked at me and my Eye flared instinctively, peering through her veil, but unlike with the Diviner, I didn’t get a clear look at her face, what was below was shrouded, as if by fog. Though I could see a smile beneath. “You are like me, you see the future reflected in the moon, though I sense a foreign power. You are…” She raised one hand, wearing a white glove, and gently touched my cheek. Shaeula looked surprised, eyes wide, while Hyacinth, who had been very much enjoying serving the distinguished guests of the Seelie Court, though she had to pretend not to see the expressions of some of them, let out a wicked giggle. Somehow I don’t think she’s coming onto me…

“…not using your gift well. Not at all.” she scolded me, and Eleanor chuckled.

“I think this was worth coming for.” she told Sir Arthur. “Seeing a figure from our myths chastise him makes me feel rather happy. “

“There’s no need to be petty, Princess.” He said mildly. “It does not become you. Your grandmother would be disappointed.”

“Oh, I’m not so sure of that. Grandmother liked him, I admit it, but she does enjoy a little humour at the expense of the pompous.”

Pompous? Me? Surprised, I replied to the Lady of the Lake a little abruptly. “Yeah, sorry about that. I know I have to sleep to use it, but I’ve been so busy recently, sleep’s been the first thing to be sacrificed.”

“Maybe you should have spent less time with your women?” Eleanor continued to jest, and Shaeula puffed her cheeks in annoyance.

“Such is not-not a sacrifice we are willing to make!”

“Pathetic.” Duke Vulpatrius snorted mockingly, and I resisted the urge to hit him. Duelling him here would be a political disaster, he’s likely egging us on to cause trouble, hoping we take the bait. And annoyingly, he’s strong… He was Tarōbō class, at least. Speaking of… Haanōbō was fascinated by the music, face close to the speakers despite the loud noise, as if eager to find out how it was done. My sis was with her too, perhaps trying to find out more about her new rival. Typical Aiko. At least it’s amusing Eri as I tell her about it. Her brother, of course, was simply indulging, and he was especially keen on whiskey, rum, vodka and the like.

“I see. But the foretelling of the future is the most difficult of all challenges. Far easier to crush an army, or shatter a mountain, or rule a country…” she glanced at Eleanor then. “…than to sift the threads of what might be, what will be, what must not be. The moon often shows what will be. And it came to you for a reason. Perhaps…” she shrugged, her silken gown rustling. “…I should guide you, fellow seer of the moon.”

“Actually…” I said, having a sudden flash of inspiration. “I received this from another, a true Diviner, you would say. If you were to share advice with anyone, I’d like it to be her.” Tsukiko’s happy to be alive again, but she’s still a bit lost, finding it hard to adapt. Maybe this could help…

“Three seers, three fates, three moons, three treasures.” Lady Nimuë said, suddenly animated. “It is just as I said, is it not, Scotsman?”

“Aye.” The burly man laughed. “Ye win, Lady. Nae that I ever doubted ye. If ye ken there be two others who can see truth in t’moon, and a Princess who be shouldering t’fate of these blessed isles, who be I tae tell ye otherwise?”

“I seldom leave the Lake. I have too much to guard. But… the time is now. That which is, I can see. But that which must not be, and that which might be… Three trials, three treasures. A Quest…”

At the word Quest, I could see her appraising Eleanor. She reached out, and with a surge of deep violet, she pulled a wrapped bundle of cloth from seemingly empty space, and unwrapped it. What was within was a rusted tip of some strange metal, broken off a larger whole, a few inches long. My Eye flared, and it revealed it as Shattered Fragment Of Avalon.

No way, is that a sheath? Avalon? Lady Nimuë… On seeing my surprise, she nodded, before passing the shard to Eleanor, who took it, curious. On doing so, she nearly dropped it, as a surge of aether and powerful water element boiled forth from it, though it quickly faded. “Is this…?” she began, only for the Lady to agree.

“Yes, it surely is. A fragment of Avalon, the sheath of immortality. To recover this took fifteen hundred years. Alas, the rest is gone. Yet…” she looked up at the moon. “Without such, the cursed Eye that was taken from your care will burn brighter than the moon, and destruction will shine over the lands of the Fae. A Quest calls… a Quest calls.”

A stolen eye? Burning? The prophecy from Tsukiko… As Eleanor looked on in a mixture of shock and awe, I glanced at Shaeula, who had a troubled expression on her own face. Yes, this was unexpected, and just as we were about to swing our preparation to the next phase…